Rice paddies take up about 9 percent of global agricultural land and pump out loads of methane, which is 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

Adding electrically charged biochar, though it increases crop yield and has often been used for its sustainable properties, makes them even gassier. A new study, in Springer Nature Link, reveals that soils treated with graphene-enhanced biochar produce up to 70 percent more methane.

This is because biochar’s conductivity helps electrons move faster through dissolved organic matter — like giving soil a power boost. The extra electron flow enhances methane production.

This means biochar isn’t always a climate-friendly option. In rice farming, its electrical side effects could mean more greenhouse gas than less.

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